Director Francis Lawrence To Helm ‘Hunger Games’ Prequel

Last June, it was revealed that Lionsgate Entertainment was quickly developing a prequel to its billion-dollar Hunger Games film franchise. With author Suzanne Collins set to release her latest book set in the universe in May, the studio has had their eyes on an adaptation for quite some time. However, as first reported by THR, Lionsgate will move forward with the prequel film with I Am Legend Francis Lawrence coming along for the ride.

Lawrence is no stranger to the Hunger Games franchise. The acclaimed filmmaker actually directed Catching Fire, Mockingjay, Pt. 1, and Mockingjay, Pt. 2. Additionally, Lawrence will adapt Suzanne Collins’ latest novel alongside Collins, screenwriter Michael Arndt (Toy Story 3) and producer Nina Jacobson (Crazy Rich Asians). Moreover, Lawrence will direct the film as well.

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The novel, titled The Ballad of Songbirds and Snake, will hit bookstores on May 19th. The story focuses on series antagonist Coriolanus Snow at age 18 decades before he becomes the tyrannical president of Panem. Check out the novel’s official synopsis below.

It is the morning of the reaping that will kick off the tenth annual Hunger Games. In the Capitol, eighteen-year-old Coriolanus Snow is preparing for his one shot at glory as a mentor in the Games. The once-mighty house of Snow has fallen on hard times its fate hanging on the slender chance that Coriolanus will be able to outcharm, outwit, and outmaneuver his fellow students to mentor the winning tribute. However, he receieves the humiliating assignment of mentoring the female tribute from District 12, the lowest of the low. Inside the arena, it will be a fight to the death. Outside the arena, Coriolanus starts to feel for his doomed tribute and must weigh his need to follow the rules against his desire to survive no matter what it takes.

What do you think? Who would you like to see cast as a young President Snow? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!

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